Review: Ghost Huntress - The Counseling

After Kendall's brush with death during her last ghost hunting mission, she's taking a break. She's not sure she wants to continue using her gifts. Kendall just might be done with ghosts.

Her parents send her to a retreat in California for teens just like her. Kendall isn't sure about the retreat, but she's happy to have time to think about herself and what she wants from the future. S

he soon meets other teens who have similar abilities, all in a place where they can talk about their experiences. Kendall feels drawn to one boy in particular.

At first, Patrick seems snarky, but there's more to him than meets the eye. Soon, he and Kendall have a connection between them, but he's traumatized from a past experience.

Can he trust her enough to open up to her? Will Kendall find peace with her past and be able to move forward?

My Thoughts: The fourth book in the GHOST HUNTRESS series creates a cast of new characters to enjoy while delving into Kendall's feelings. However, dealing with ghosts doesn't take a back seat. While learning how to focus her energies and move past recent traumas, Kendall still connects with a spirit. While this spirit isn't dangerous, the circumstances surrounding her death are shrouded in mystery. After dealing with a little heartbreak in the last installment, a new love interest appears. THE COUNSELING is a great chapter in this fresh and unique series.

Cover Thoughts: Unique. I love the colors.

Source: My Library - also reviewed for www.teensreadtoo.com

Up Next: The Discovery due out in May

Review: The Haunted

*Spoilers: If you haven't read The Hollow, don't read this review*

Abbey's recovering from her broken heart and nervous breakdown after learning the truth about Caspian. She relocates to her aunt's house, but is called back to Sleepy Hollow for a bridge dedication she must deliver in her dead BFF's honor.

Abbey isn't sure she can handle everything, especially when she sees Caspian for the first time. It's a relief to know she's not crazy. Soon, she's spending her summer scooping ice cream, studying science with Ben so she passes Chemistry, and hanging out with Caspian.

There's one moment where she thinks funny and sweet Ben could become something more than just a friend. Is he interested in her? It doesn't really matter because she can't stopping thinking about Caspian. Is she falling in love with a ghost? Could her destiny involve a dangerous life turn?

My Thoughts: I really loved this dark tale with humor, heartbreak, and a undeniable love between two people. It continues with the first book perfectly and I can't wait to read the conclusion with The Hidden. I love reading about the perfume. As Abbey unravels more and more about Caspian, she unravels more about her own future. I love watching her world change and be entwined in the Sleepy Hollow Legend. I absolutely LOVE hearing about the plans for her store. It sounds absolutely perfect to me.

Cover Thoughts: I love it - it's dark and mysteries and ties in well with the book.

Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Don of the Dead

Pepper took the only job she could find after her father went to jail and her fiancee dumped her - a tour guide for a cemetery.

After falling and hitting her head on a grave stone, she began seeing one man who looked like he belonged in the past.

Gus Scarpetti, a wise guy from 30 years ago won't leave her alone. He wants her to solve his unsolved murder so he can move on. At first, Pepper thinks she's hallucinating. Then she decides to ignore him. Finally, after he wrecks havoc in her life, she agrees to strike a deal with him.

She'll work on his cold case for a fee. Pepper isn't sure where to turn as she knows next to nothing about the case. She has dinner at the restaurant where he was gunned down outside. She talks to the old cook who's retiring. She visits the museum to discover more information. Finally, she goes to the sources, the survivors of that night and Gus's family. Pepper's sticking her nose into a "family" that do not take kindly to meddlesome people.

Will she be able to help Gus before someone decides she's learning too much about the family?

My Thoughts: First in a series that's clever, witty, and amusing. Pepper leaps off the page with her large personality. Gus remains old fashioned in his deadly ways - clever, cunning, and smart. I look forward to reading more in the series.

Cover: Dark and spooky - fits the book perfectly.

Source: Inter-library loan

Review: Shade

Logan's birthday was supposed to be the day that tied him and Aura together. Instead, it became a day of sorrow; a day Aura would regret forever. While her boyfriend played an amazing gig which could result in a record deal, he didn't live long enough to make it a reality.

It doesn't help that in Aura's world, everyone under the age of 16 sees ghosts. When Logan reappears, it's almost as if he never left, except she can't touch him or feel his touch. Life goes almost back to normal.

Aura deals with her family life, her school life, and those people talking smack about her. She stands through it all. She does meet a new friend, a boy whom she must work together with on a school project. He makes her feel safe again. When he's around, it's almost as if she's normal and not the girlfriend of a ghost.

Zach likes her and doesn't hide his feelings. He has a secret and it involves Aura. When it comes out, will it ruin everything?

My Thoughts: An amazing read! I can't wait to read more and find out what happens next. The idea of seeings ghosts is both creepy and intriguing, which makes for a very interesting and most unusual book. Ghosts, love, heartbreak, and uncovering secrets make this a book not to be missed!

The Cover: Awesome!

Source: My Library

Give up the Ghost

It's been a long time since Cass trusted anyone living. To outsiders, she's anti-social, but in reality, you just can't see her friends. A month before her sister died Cass had been going through a rough time with her former BFF. Now the only friends Cass counts are those who people can't normally see. Not only does Cass know all the dirt on people, she sometimes uses it to her advantage. However when one boy in the popular crowd approaches her for help, Cass can't help but become involved. His mother died not that long ago and he's looking for a chance to get in touch with her. at first, Cass thinks he's just another spoiled popular jock, but as she spends more time with him, she comes to know the boy under the mask. Cass realizes he has problems of his own and she might be the only one who can save him. But that would mean showing someone living that she actually cares. Can Cass show her true feelings or will she continue to shut out the world?

This book was different than what I expected - a more paranormal ghost haunting tale when in reality, it's more about the Cass and Matt than the ghosts. Still, it's a great read with an inviting cover. I really enjoyed the storyline. I could see Cass clearly and why she chose to hide herself away from the world. The question of popular vs being yourself was excellently executed and thoroughly entertaining. I look forward to the next book by Megan Crewe.

The Spendor Falls

Sylvie's life changed forever during a dance - with one misplaced step. Now, the once youngest ever American Ballet principal dancer, can't dance. She has no idea what to do with her life. When she breaks down at her mother's wedding, consequences arise. While her mother goes on her honeymoon, Sylvie must spend the summer with family she's never met in the family mansion. Right away she discovers she knows nothing about the family as her father never mentioned them. Secondly, things are different in the South. Thirdly, she's very popular. Fourthly, two boys turn her head - one for his mysterious ways and the other with his charm. Before long, Sylvie comes immersed in the family history in order to discover more about the overgrown gardens at first, but then to find out more about the family after she hears talk about ghosts as she mentions some peculiar noises in the night. Could there be ghosts or is Sylvie simply going crazy? If there are ghosts, who could she talk with who won't think she's crazy?

A psychological subtle thriller that reminded me of the Gothic novels - mysterious, but at first you're not quite sure what to believe. VERY well done! I adored the Hell series previously written by the RITA award winning author.

The cover: I'm not too sure about it. It's a little bit interesting, but I wish there was something about the gardens, the ghost, the mansion or Sylvie on it instead.